Puratians

Puritans were a group of English Protestants in the 16th and 17th centuries who sought to purify the Church of England from what they considered to be "Catholic" practices. They believed that the Church of England was not fully reformed and that its liturgy and practices retained too many elements of Roman Catholicism. Puritans advocated for a simpler form of worship, emphasizing preaching, scripture, and personal piety.

The movement emerged during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I and grew in influence throughout the early 17th century. Their beliefs often led to conflict with the established church hierarchy and the monarchy, particularly under Charles I. Many Puritans felt persecuted and sought to establish their own religious communities. This led to significant emigration, most notably to North America, where they founded colonies like the Massachusetts Bay Colony.

In the colonies, Puritans established societies based on their religious principles. They emphasized education, with a strong belief in literacy for all to read the Bible. Their societal structure was often hierarchical and tightly regulated by religious laws. The legacy of Puritanism in America includes a strong emphasis on hard work, thrift, and a sense of moral purpose, which influenced the development of American culture and values. However, their strict religious doctrines and intolerance also led to internal dissent and the exclusion of those who did not conform.